Big Trucks Big Bucks Blog For CDL Class A Truck Drivers

Truckers Against Trafficking Fight Human Sex Trafficking-You Can Too!

2013-03-29T13:00:00.000-04:00

The following article was written by Natasha T Baker and posted on her blog this past October. It tells an ugly truth about human sex trafficking; modern-day slavery that exists all over the world. Already a horrific crime of brutality against children, teens and even young adults of all ages and genders, it's made even uglier by the involvement of a US funded private military contractor. As advocates of the organization 'Truckers Against Human Trafficking", we have re-printed this article in its entirety. We encourage you to take action in any way you can to help stop this epidemic.

Truckers Against Trafficking

Human sex trafficking is a local crime. Listen to Shari's story for proof.

The other day I was listening to NPR and heard a story about an organization called Truckers Against Human Trafficking. My ears perked up because this is an issue that I find fundamental to human rights work; human trafficking is modern-day slavery and if that still exists – and here in the US, too – then we are not doing our duty as human beings.

How to say it? It’s unfortunately very simple: American teens, mostly girls but boys, too, are being kidnapped and pimped in the US. Why truckers are involved here is that the teens are often driven into truck stops, wearing skimpy clothes and are forced to go truck to truck offering sex in exchange for money – which is then handed over to their pimp, or more precisely, slave driver. Truck stops are just one popular spot for this kind of activity; bars, strip clubs, casinos and the street itself are prime spots for child prostitution

We’ve got a crisis on our hands; there are enough people in the US who are ok with the concept of child prostitution (and pay for it) that there are many people out there who make it their living to destroy our youth; these people brainwash them, making them wholly dependent on them for survival. They are beaten, raped, manipulated – add whatever adjective you want. It’s happening. And the issue deserves more attention.

Here’s more:

This child sex slavery isn’t just happening in the US. US tax dollars are funding it abroad, too:

Truckers Against Trafficking reminds me of a horribly frightening (yet true) film I watched called The Whistleblower that still haunts my mind to this day. Briefly, The Whistleblower is the story of Nebraska cop Kathryn Bolkovac who takes a job as a peacekeeper in post-war Bosnia (late 1990′s) and ends up blowing the whistle on a huge child sex trafficking scandal that the UN has been covering up.

Essentially Americans and others who were brought into Bosnia to build and maintain peace (soldiers, UN peacekeepers, private contractors hired by the US government and the UN, etc.) are funding huge prostitution rings whereby minors are kidnapped from their homes and then used as toys for men – they are raped, maimed, shackled, beaten – you name it, it happened. Please don’t watch this film at night, or if you do, please have company. This film is very graphic in the abuse of these girls and includes a very detailed scene of a sexual assault on a very young girl.

But it tells the truth. And it’s ugly. The US funded DynCorp, a private military contractor, to outsource its peacekeeping work in Bosnia and instead they completely abused the population they were there to protect. And the “whistleblower” Kathryn Bolkovac was not taken seriously. Why? Because there were too many people (too many men we must say it) who stood to lose a lot of power if they were outed. Many of the key perpetrators were simply sent home; no punishment, no trial, no jail time, no fines, no restitution.

Part of the consequence of not fessing up to how sick this situation was, is that history is repeated. THE SAME US-FUNDED PRIVATE MILITARY CONTRACTOR, DYNCORP THAT SOLD CHILDREN INTO SEX SLAVERY IN BOSNIA ARE DOING IT AGAIN NOW IN AFGHANISTAN.

You read that right – they’re at it again: US government contractor DynCorp is currently using US tax dollars to fund sex with underage boys – yes boys – in Afghanistan.

So what can we do about it?

As American citizens, we have the right to tell our representatives to end child sex trafficking in the US AND defund companies like DynCorp who violate American values. This is just plain sick; and Congress funds them. And no one gets punished. Well, the beauty of living in a democracy is we have the power – through our vote, through our voice, through the media (like blogs), through our purchases, to send a message that this will NOT be tolerated.

My federal representatives are Congressman Mike Honda and Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein: Let me say to them here that the US should permanently defund DynCorp. Sure it’s a messy political move. But you’ve got to be kidding that profits are more important than ending child sex trafficking – paid for by US taxpayers like me (without our consent)!

Furthermore, if anyone in your family or anyone you know is involved in the trucking industry, talk to them. Find out what they’re doing to prevent this. Get them to join the Truckers Against Human Trafficking network. Get their truckers trained in how to spot and report human trafficking. Download the app. Call the hotline. Get the posters hung in the breakroom. Donate to Truckers Against Human Trafficking.

Take action today. Call your representative. Email them. Write to them. Post a blog post. Share this with friends. Post a link to Facebook or Twitter. Get people talking about it. Everyone is talking about how to fix the economy right now; well how about starting by saving US taxpayers billions of dollars that are currently going to funding modern slavery?

The average age for a girl to enter the US sex-for-sale industry is 12. Remember that this happens because there are people among us who pay for this, who enjoy it, who get away with it. We have to change this. There is change that needs to happen at the individual, governmental and global level.

National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1.888.373.7888

Six Proven Ways Truck Driver Owner-Operators Can Find Regular Jobs

2013-03-12T14:00:00.000-04:00

Owning and operating your own trucking rig can be a highly rewarding and lucrative career. You can choose your own clients, set your own prices and control your own delivery schedule. You can also have the satisfaction of keeping the profits for yourself, rather than doing all the work for an hourly wage or commission fee.

However, OTR owner-operators have many expenses such as paying for your own truck, your benefits, and fuel and repair expenses to keep your truck running. Your livelihood depends on many things including being dependent on an income that is dependent on your customers paying on time.

But at the very top of the list for an independent truck driver is finding regular jobs. So let's discuss the world of truck driver owner-operators and how you can find jobs.

We've titled this article "Six Proven Ways Truck Driver Owner-Operators Can Find Regular Jobs", but actually, we have at least 8 tips and suggestions. There should be at least one or two that are helpful even for the most experienced otr owner-operator!

Thanks to the Internet, today's OTR owner-operators are able to get good paying jobs from a variety of sources, ranging from Craigslist to industry networking channels. Here are some ideas to help you market your services and find regular work.

Join A Freight Company

For many OTR independent truck drivers, the obvious choice is to join a large freight company that offers attractive options for owner-operators. Not every trucking company offers work for independent truckers, so you have to research these yourself. And those freight companies that do have work for owner-operators offer different packages with different options, so you'll want to investigate a number of these to see which ones are right for you.

You can use the services of a professional independent trucker recruiter who is an industry specialist and will do the leg work for you and will work with you to match you with the company that best meets your objectives.

The company will handle all the assignment logistics and you'll be free to just hit the road and add up the miles and the money.

One advantage of operating your trucking business under the guidance of an established freight company is that you'll be able to be associated with a large roster of high paying, reputable clients. Some companies, in fact, advertise the fact that they count as their clients a large number of Fortune 500 companies. This can be a definite advantage over starting from scratch with only a handful of clients.

Craigslist

Trucking jobs posted on Craigslist can be highly lucrative and completely reputable, but as with any type of Internet posting, you should thoroughly check out the credibility of the client before taking the job.

In addition to meeting with the client personally (if this is possible), it's also a good idea to run as much of a background check as you can on the client's business and try to get as much word-of-mouth information as you can. If this client has used truckers before, you should find industry colleagues who have worked for them.

Truck Driving Job Boards

There are a number of truck driving job boards available on the Internet that are independent of any specific trucking company. Job boards are an excellent resource as the listings usually provide quite a bit of information, including the date the job was posted so you know if it is current or possibly outdated.

Just do a search for 'truck driving job boards' and you should get quite a few results. Some are better than others, some are posted by recruiters and some are posted by trucking companies.

Social Media

The two most important social media resources are Facebook and LinkedIn. Each gives you an opportunity to market in two different ways to two different target groups:

Facebook - with Facebook you can reach a very broad audience which includes individuals, companies and groups. Once you grasp the fundamentals of Facebook you will find there are excellent opportunities to network and get the word out about your services.
LinkedIn - with LinkedIn you can reach and communicate with marketing representatives of trucking companies and network extensively on more of an executive level. If you are in business for yourself, this is an excellent place to market not only your company but yourself and your professional background.

Independent Agencies

There are many truck driving agencies available that promise big rig jobs at a high rate of pay. Many are reputable and will produce what they say they will, but beware of scams and agencies that don't deliver on their promises.

Consider treating an agent the same way as you would a prospective client. Check them out before doing business with them. Be careful about signing anything, and make sure you're not signing an exclusive contract that would bind you to that agency for a long period. Check the commission fees carefully. The right agent can be your best OTR business partner, so choose wisely.

Keep A Clean Driving Record

This one speaks for itself for several reasons. Your reputation is key. As an otr owner-operator, your driving record will follow you around throughout your entire career and will be the deciding factor, time and again, in whether or not you get a good paying job; today and maybe tomorrow. You want to keep your driving record so squeaky clean that you wouldn't mind having it posted on the front page of the New York Times. And that would certainly gain you a lot of referrals !

Find An industry Lawyer

This one can help in several ways: (1) an industry lawyer can help you network, and (2) an industry lawyer can protect you from making mistakes that could damage your reputation, and/or cause you to lose business or even go out of business. A good industry lawyer at any time is worth the money you are paying.

Keep Current With Your Licensing

For the best jobs, you need to make sure that you keep on top of your game. It's a more competitive industry and a tougher business world than ever before. Always be certain that your licensing is up to date.

Think about taking a CDL Refresher Course occasionally, especially if you've been off the road for awhile, or even if you've been on the road awhile but find yourself getting a bit dull or easily distracted.

If you're looking for informational sources that will help you in your business, check out an MPG Calculator.

It's always important to do your homework before making any decisions that can affect your career and your financial future. By learning everything you need to know about the ins and outs of the business, you'll be able to develop a realistic, viable business plan that can help get you started on the path to success as an independent OTR owner operator.

Considering A Truck Lease Purchase Option? Look Before You Leap !

2013-02-27T13:30:00.000-05:00

"Oops ... I leaped before looking..."

At first glance, a lease-to-purchase contract seems like a no-brainer. There's no down payment, no credit check and minimal start-up costs. However, it's important to do your homework and completely evaluate all of your options before signing on the dotted line.

In other words, look before you leap into a Lease Purchase arrangement with a trucking company.

Of course, the practicality of a lease-to-purchase agreement will vary from trucker to trucker. To fully understand this type of contract, let's first look at it from the trucking company's perspective.

What The Trucking Company Claims

For many years carriers have been heavily marketing and promoting leasing options as a way for truckers with low credit scores and limited financial means to become owners. New drivers especially are vulnerable to the concept of Lease Purchase and some companies exert considerable pressure on their student drivers-in-training, convincing them that they will make a lot of money, be their own boss and own their truck.

Here's what many companies claim to offer truckers who sign a leasing agreement:

Low or zero down payment
No long-term commitment to the company (walk-away leases)
Low deposits
No credit check or flexible credit standards

Basically, companies claim to give drivers a first-hand taste of ownership while also mitigating the associated financial risk.

Lease-to-Purchase Complaints

Many drivers and driver advocacy groups have a much different take on lease-to-own agreements. In fact, leasing a truck has resulted in financial devastation for many drivers. Some of these truckers have alleged that, among other things, they were victimized by:

Overcharges for fuel taxes
Company-ordered repairs at company-owned facilities with fixed repair rates designated by the carrier
Inflated monthly payments
Unfair deductions
Low miles
Unclear lease contracts

In fact, some driver advocacy organizations - namely the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), have filed class action lawsuits against several prominent carriers such as Landstar, Inc., Ledar Express and C. R. England, Inc.

As of this writing, C. R. England's 10-year battle wages on in the courts as their latest objections have been denied by the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah.

Several of these suits have been successful, awarding large settlements to drivers who claimed to be a victim of illegal leasing practices by trucking carriers.

Things To Consider

Many drivers have done well financially with a lease to purchase option. At the end of the day, it's at the discretion of the driver to determine whether leasing is the right option. The following tips and pointers will help you make an informed decision:

Remember, you don't really own your truck

Any time you lease your truck from a company, it means that you're not the owner. THEY are. This means that you are at the mercy of the carrier if they cut your miles, charge you more or pay you less. A loan from the bank, however, means you can simply switch companies if things aren't working out.

Talk to other drivers

Talking to those who have first-hand experience with lease-to-own deals will help you learn about the successes and failures of drivers who have been there. However, some sources are more trustworthy than others, so it's up to you to assemble all the information and draw an accurate conclusion.

Make sure you fully understand the terms of the agreement

While it may seem obvious, you may be surprised at how many people sign a contract without fully comprehending the terms. It's not enough to simply trust what the company representative tells you. Remember, nothing is enforceable unless it's in writing.

Do your homework on the carrier

Not all trucking companies are cut from the same mold. While you'll find that there are many reputable carriers in the industry, there is no shortage of unscrupulous ones either. Make sure you do your due diligence and sign on with a company that you can trust.

Always look before you leap before signing any contract. It's up to you to take the responsibility to be informed about the pros and cons of any commitment you are considering. Especially a financial commitment such as leasing a truck that can have such an impact on both your professional and personal lifetyle.

Regardless of what you do, your safety on the road and your family's safety at home are most important. Make sure you service your rig regularly, get plenty of rest and obey the rules of the road. Click here to learn more about how you can help protect your loved ones at home while you're out on a haul.

How Truck Drivers Can Reduce The Risk Of Driving Distractions

2013-02-21T13:00:00.000-05:00

from damncoolpictures.com

This photo seems rather improbable, so we can laugh at the silliness of it. But in real life, accidents are no laughing matter. And an accident involving an 18-wheeler is a frightening event, and often one that could have been avoided.

Over the last few years, there's been a surge of research and studies on the dangers of distracted driving. In 2010, the federal government banned truck drivers nationwide from texting while driving, although some states had already implemented laws banning all drivers from texting behind the wheel.

But cell phone use isn't the only activity that is considered distracted driving and can lead to an increased risk of crashing. A recent truck and train collision reminds drivers about the dangers of taking their focus off the road.

On February 7, a truck driver was adjusting his electronic navigation system and ran off the highway, landing his tractor-trailer onto railroad tracks. As he tried to locate his cell phone in the overturned truck's cab, his rig was rear-ended by a freight train. When the train crew saw the truck ahead, they immediately applied emergency brakes and managed to slow down from 45 mph to 17 mph by the time the train hit the truck.

Although no one was injured in the crash, the impact peeled apart the empty trailer. According to the state patrol, the truck driver will be charged with second-degree negligent driving.

Although it is generally accepted that cell phone use and texting is dangerous, research shows that eating, drinking, reaching for objects, and adjusting controls also divert the driver's attention away from the road and can increase the risk of an accident. A study revealing that eating or drinking in the car is responsible for 80 percent of all car accidents and 65 percent of near misses.

Any activity that could divert a person's attention away from
the primary task of driving is considered distracting

Only 39 states have enacted distracted driving laws, but the states that have not enacted these laws are starting to make changes. Tampa held Florida's first distracted driving summit to address issues such as traumatic injuries, teen driving education, and cell phone policies. The proposed new laws could decrease serious accidents, lost lives, and lawsuits requiring a Tampa attorney or other legal action.

Truck drivers are handling some of the biggest vehicles on the road, so it's crucial that they give their full attention to the highway ahead and the drivers around them. Long travel times may cause temptation to reach for nearby objects, eat behind the wheel, or make adjustments to the GPS. But all of these do take the driver's attention off the road and increase risk of an accident. Keeping hands on the wheel and focus on driving can help reduce the number of accidents and help save lives.

Every Friday we hope post on our Big Trucks Big Bucks Facebook page this reminder: "if you're out on the road this weekend please be careful and drive safely, and always watch out for the other guy". The other guy may not be paying attention so it's up to you....practice defensive driving.

The Answer To What Is A Professional Truck Driver

2013-02-19T13:30:00.000-05:00

Or Is It ...
"Who Is The Professional Truck Driver"

We came across this article posted on Facebook by Glen Reams which is kind of a universal answer to the question "What is the professional truck driver?", or maybe it's "Who is the professional truck driver" - in any event, both questions are answered ...

And on the ninth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, "I need someone to help the farmer." So God made a trucker.

God said, "I need somebody willing to get up before dawn in a foreign town, inspect his truck, work all day delivering anything and everything we need to survive, care for everyone traveling the roads, then at the end of the day call his family whom he is away from yet again." So God made a trucker.

God said, "I need somebody willing to drive a 40-ton truck all night through snow, sleet, and rain with nerves of steel. I need somebody who can repair a truck in zero-degree weather while cars drive by at 70 miles per hour. I need someone who can secure a load to an icy trailer in 40-mile-per-hour wind, and someone who can repair anything with duck tape, baling ware and elbow grease."

"I need someone who will drive 600 miles in a single day dodging cars that don't see them in their mirror, then crawl into a foreign bed for a few hours rest. And then longing for their family at home, put in another 600 miles the next day." So God made the trucker.

God said, "I need somebody strong enough to lift 100 pounds, yet gentle enough to wave to a small child across the street; who will stop his truck for an hour to save a lost dog or stop to assist a scared, single mom whose car has broken down."

It had to be somebody who would drive straight and steady for hours upon end. Somebody to drive, repair, load, secure, and unload, and serve others who don't respect them, and watch out for everyone. Somebody who'd keep a family together from thousands of miles away, never asking anyone for anything. Someone who would laugh, and then sigh, and then reply with smiling eyes when his son says that 'he wants to spend his life doing what daddy does.' So God made a trucker.

What Truckers Should Know Before Becoming An Owner-Operator

2013-02-15T13:30:00.000-05:00

There Are Important Issues To Consider
BEFORE You Take The Leap To Become
An Independent Trucker

There are many good reasons to become an owner-operator, buy your own truck and control your own destiny.

And there are just as many reasons for not becoming an owner-operator and continuing as a company driver, because first and foremost, you will go into debt buying your own truck, and trying to control your own destiny can be easily thwarted by many factors.

But for now let's concentrate on the 'pros' which are self-explanatory .... being in business for yourself benefits you because:

you are your own boss
you set your own hours and schedule
you decide which loads you will carry
you decide where you go
you decide how much money you will make
you have the freedom to make many choices and run your own business your way

Being your own boss is something many truckers dream about. Many independent trucking contractors are earning more than $100,000 a year. Many have an established and growing business with several trucks and employee drivers always on the road carrying loads.

But not every trucker is suited for the responsibilities that being in business for yourself demands. Especially in these times when new rules and regulations are making it harder for the independent trucking contractor to make a good living. So let's take a look at the 'cons' of being an owner-operator:

you have to buy a truck and maintain your equipment
you have all the other start-up expenses such as insurance, etc.
you have more responsibility
you have to make all the decisions
you are responsible for the successes
you are responsible for the failures
you are responsible for your income
you are subject to factors you can't control, i.e., gas price increases and Federal regulations

Buying Your Truck

Because buying (or leasing) a truck is pretty much the first thing you have to do to get started, let's talk about that further.

It's pretty basic: if you don't own a truck you can't be an owner-operator, and buying your own truck is going to be the most expensive start-up cost you have.

Applying for a truck loan takes some pre-planning. It's a very good idea to have some type of business plan to present to the lender. It shows that you have taken the time to think things through, you know what you are doing, and you have a plan for not only what you are going to do with the truck, but how you are going to pay the lender for the loan.

Choosing your truck is kind of a fun project, but it's a big decision. You need to research any vehicle you are considering buying very carefully. You could buy a used tractor trailer but then you may be taking on someone else's problems. On the other hand, buying new will probably cost more but in the long run, it will likely be cheaper on maintenance.

You could consider a Lease-Purchase which is a reasonable option when you are just starting out. However, there are many reasons why this isn't the best option, so if you can manage buying your own truck, that's the best way to go.

Emergencies and Other Expenses

Let's take a look at some of the other expenses involved with being an independent trucker. Here is a breakdown of items you should have, or at least research thoroughly before you purchase your truck and start your business:

money to purchase a truck (or a down payment)
money to buy fuel and maintenance on your truck
emergency fund for unexpected repairs
insurance carrier for your truck
a good mechanic
health insurance

It's critical to have an emergency fund for well .... emergencies. Those unexpected contingencies that if you're not prepared, can start the ball rolling to putting you out of business. The cost for tires for your truck can vary, but can run as much as $3,200 or more - and that's just in (1) year.

You can save repair and maintenance money if you are your mechanic. And many truckers are great mechanics. But do you really want to spend your free home time working on the truck you are spending all of your other time sitting in?

As an independent contractor you are a small business owner. You are in control of many things, and there are other things you can't control. Because you no longer have an employer it all falls on you. Do your homework, think everything through carefully, and pre-plan. Good planning and being ready for the worst are two of the most important factors in beginning and establishing a successful owner-operator business.

6 Safety Tips for Truck Drivers and Their Families

2013-01-29T14:00:00.000-05:00

Safety Tips for Truck Drivers and
Their Families When Walking Alone at Night

The world has changed since I was a kid. It's changed drastically, and we now live in a more criminal society than even just a few years ago. You might even go so far as to say that not only do we have to remind ourselves to drive defensively, but we are becoming programmed to live defensively.

When you're out on the road, do you worry about your family's safety, especially at night after dark? Do your kids walk home alone at night from a friend's house or from a school activity? Do you often find yourself in circumstances where you have to walk some distance between your truck and your destination? It only takes seconds for someone to attack you, and those seconds could drastically change your life.

Here are 6 tips to keep you and your loved ones safe while walking alone - or even with a companion - at night:

How to Keep Safe While Walking Alone at Night

If you're forced to walk home at night, one of the best and most effective ways of ensuring that you reach your destination safely is to have a companion along for the journey. Assailants tend to strike single targets, rather than couples or small groups that can be more difficult for them to successfully subdue on their own. While men should certainly be cautious when they're walking home at night, it's especially important for women to understand the dangers of walking alone at night and to be aware of the best ways to reduce their chances of being the victim of violent crime.

Project Confidence

When you're walking, make sure that you take a well-known and familiar route so you don't look confused or lost, and that you project plenty of confidence along the way. Violent criminals target potential victims that appear vulnerable, and may choose not to engage with a woman who projects an air of strength and seems to know exactly where she's going. If you're so nervous about walking home that you don't feel you'd be able to project that self-assurance, it may be smarter to opt for mass transit or even spring for a taxi, rather than anxiously making the trek back home.

Avoid Dark Areas

It may seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how easily some people can be tempted into taking a shortcut through an alley or walking across a dark parking lot to shorten their journey back home. Whether you're alone or in a group, it's best to restrict your route to well-lit areas, always try to stay under streetlights and never duck into a shadowy area simply because it will shorten your walk. Attackers want as much seclusion as they can gt to lower their chances of being spotted by passersby. If you're hidden in the shadows with someone who has dangerous intentions, you may not be able to safely attract the attention of anyone passing by.

Wear Sensible Shoes

No matter how excited you are to wear your brand new heels, you should avoid them if you know you'll be walking home after dark. If you're insistent upon wearing fashionable but less-than-sensible footwear for an evening out on the town, be sure that you stash a pair of ballet flats into your bag to wear as you walk home. Should you need to outrun a potential attacker, you'll have far better chances of escaping if you're not wearing precariously high heels that increase your risk of falling, twisting an ankle or just being slowed down dramatically by your lack of balance.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

When you're projecting confidence on your way down the street, don't be so confident that you pop in a pair of earbuds and ignore everything around you. A long walk might be more enjoyable if you're able to listen to your favorite songs, but it will also make you less likely to hear someone approaching and can distract you enough that you don't notice a threatening figure until it's too late. Don't allow yourself to b distracted so that you're never unpleasantly surprised.

Keep Your Cell Phone Charged

Talking on your cell phone as you make your way home may seem like an effective way to discourage an attacker, but it can actually distract you enough that you don't notice their approach. Taking advantage of someone is easier when they're distracted, so make sure that you have your phone charged and readily available, but don't spend your walk home chattering away. You should make sure that it's within a moment's reach, however, so that you can quickly dial for help if you spot something suspicious.

Carry a Deterrent

Non-violent deterrents like pepper spray or mace can buy you enough time to successfully evade a would-be attacker and seek help, and as such are great tools to keep on hand if you frequently walk home alone. Be sure before purchasing a canister of mace or pepper spray, however, that it's compliant with all state and local laws. The maximum concentration legally allowable can vary from one state or city to another, so you'll need to double check before heading out of the house with a deterrent that isn't illegal in your area.

From Live Out Nanny

Checklist For Items To Bring With You To Truck Driver Training Or Orientation

2012-12-04T11:33:00.000-05:00

Congratulations! You've been accepted into cdl paid training or cdl school training, but now you are wondering what you need to bring with you...if that question hasn't crossed your mind yet it's probably time you gave it some thought. So, here's a list of both important and required items you should bring with you to truck driver training or Orientation.

Remember, Orientation lasts one week (4 days) and student cdl training lasts 3 weeks (21 days) so you should adjust the items and quantity accordingly.

Print this out and use as your Checklist ....

Item	Orientation	Training
Enough money for 1 week	X
Enough money for 3 weeks		X
Social Security Card ) cannot be laminated)	X	X
Birth Certificate (must have official seal)		X
Driver License	X	X
VOIDED Check for Direct Deposit	X	X
Work Boots * Gloves	X	X
Flashlight * Alarm Clock	X	X
Raincoat	X	X
Personal Hygiene Items	X	X
Several towels and washclothes	X	X
Bedding for truck	X	X
7-10 Changes of clothes	X	X
Tape recorder and Camera	X	X
School/Classroom Supplies:
Calculator * Pens * Pencils		X
Notepad		X
Backpack or Storage item		X
Personal items (glasses, etc.)	X	X

If your Social Security card is laminated it will not be accepted. Also, your Birth Certificate must have the official raised seal. If you have any questions just ask your Recruiter.

Free State CDL Driver Manual Download

Facts About Truck Driver Sign-On Bonuses

2012-11-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

Want To Make A Quick $2,000 ?

If you are looking for another truck driving job you have probably seen trucking company advertisements offering a "sign-on bonus" for driving jobs the company wants to fill. These are bonuses being offered to experienced CDL Class A truckers, sometimes with a minimum of 3 months recent driving experience.

Bonuses are being offered across the spectrum to experienced drivers of dry van, tankers, flatbed, reefer, otr, regional otr, dedicated, and intermodal. Sign-on bonuses can range anywhere from $200 to as much as $5,000, with $2,500 being typical.

Today's trucking industry climate is very competitive; most trucking companies are desperate for drivers. Many don't have enough drivers to fill the trucks they have. Sign-on bonuses are at a record high.

It can be very exciting to look ahead and feel that not only are you going to work for a great company, you are also going to get a BIG sign-on bonus check as a reward for going to work for that company. Wow!

If you're like most people, you've probably got it mentally spent on something you've wanted for a long time; a new hdtv, a long-awaited vacation with the family, putting a down payment on a house, or just paying off some bills. But before you run out and spend your bonus money in advance because you know you are going to receive it soon, don't.

The Long and Winding Road

There is a certain avenue that the sign-on bonus takes - kind of a long and winding road - before that bonus gets to you. Companies vary when they pay the sign-on bonus and how they pay the sign-on bonus. They may pay it in increments or they may pay it all at once. But typically, don't look for any or all of that money to be in your hands right away. There may be a considerable delay - and - usually you must meet and maintain certain requirements to qualify and get your sign-on bonus.

Some companies have loosened up a bit recently about how they pay their sign-on bonuses and some are now paying a percentage of the bonus on completion of a first run. But that's not the norm. And it's important to remember that many companies also require a specific period of time to be accident free and with NO LATE pick ups or deliveries.

With so many people trying to get into the trucking industry why is it necessary for trucking companies to offer these bonuses? That's a good question and here is the answer: veteran drivers are retiring or changing occupations which is creating a shortage of experienced drivers. Although it's a rewarding lifestyle in many ways, truck driving can also be very demanding and often takes you away from your family for long periods of time.

A major reason that veteran drivers are leaving the industry is because many are feeling pressured by federal safety regulations that were enacted in 2010 that keep a closer watch on many areas of the industry.

The Sign-on Bonus is a recruiting tool that companies use to hire drivers. Most companies have good motives. They don't want turnover, they want quality employees and are willing to pay well. But like any industry, there are the 'questionables', the companies that hope to entice you, hire you, move more product by working you long and hard, and hope that they make it so difficult for you to actually qualify to get your bonus that you will quit the company so they don't have to pay the bonus. They have a totally different business approach and mindset.

It's up to you to ask the right questions of your recruiter:

determine the specific amount of the sign-on bonus (it may range DOE)
determine the time frame of when it will be paid to you
determine the qualifications under which it will be paid to you
determine if it will be paid to you in increments or a lump sum

Although the sign-on bonus may play a major role in your current employment objective, also keep in mind that it's important to weigh other factors as well. It may turn out that in the long run, you're better off in a truck driving job with a company that isn't offering a sign-on bonus - but - offers higher wages and periodic bonuses throughout your employment.

How To Land The Truck Driving Job You Want
Sometimes Less Is Indeed More

How To Become A Professional Truck Driver-A Blueprint For Success

2012-10-23T14:00:00.000-04:00

Plan Your Professional
Truck Driving Career

Starting a new career as a truck driver can provide you with adventure and a steady income. You will feel a sense of freedom being out on the road, earn plenty of money and see the country. But you need to start with the right kind of education and training to become a CDL Class A truck driver. Here is a blueprint for planning your professional truck driving career.

Start With Research

Most forms of specialized education require some kind of a contract. Drivers will often sign with a freight company for CDL paid training, or with a CDL licensing school. There are usually various fees associated with either of these contracts which you should be familiar with. Most schools charge for the entire course at one time, which generally runs between three and four weeks, before you can test for your CDL License. If you sign a contract with a trucking company for their cdl paid or company sponsored training program, you may be required to work for them for possibly as long as two years after graduating. This means you have to be ready to make a long-term commitment to that trucking company if you are going to take advantage of their paid cdl training program. Research the differences between a CDL truck driving school and any trucking companies offering to pay for your education before you sign a contract.

You will need to practice due diligence when starting your life as a long haul trucker. Practice due diligence by investigating the companies and schools from which you are considering getting your CDL training. Look for legal suits against the organization from former students or instructors. While these lawsuits may be unfair, check into settled cases where the judge decided in the student's favor. A chain of serious legal battles may indicate that the school is less than fair and should be avoided. Check that the company is showing healthy profits and has not recently filed for bankruptcy. Know the questions to ask before you make any decisions.

Pick a private or public school for the best results. These organizations only receive money from your tuition payments and don't have any interest in signing you with a specific company. This can ensure you receive a fair and balanced education. Many community colleges and technical schools include a CDL training program. Check that the school is accredited with the state as an educational establishment. You can find schools receiving regular monitoring by the Professional Truck Driver Institute to rule out many groups providing poor education. Check out our Truck Driving School Guide for recommended driver training schools across the U.S.

Planning Your Career

Some programs leave you with enough experience to become a Class A driver, while others are insufficient for a full CDL license. Consider what you want to do before you enroll in a program. Drivers that can handle the stress of hauling chemicals can receive their Hazmat certification during the initial training phase. Choosing a basic industry to specialize in will help you save time and get to work quicker. Drivers who take the time to research their options and plan their career tend to find a good job within a few weeks of graduation, rather than waiting months for additional training or certifications.

If you get your CDL training through a truck driver training school or course at a community college, you are not obligated by any employment contract. This means you have the freedom to go to work for any trucking company that hires recent graduates, without any financial liability on your part.

Do your due diligence when searching for a company to begin your driving career. The hiring guidelines and policies among the companies hiring recent graduates are very similar but be prepared to research the information you feel is important to beginning your career.

The Most Common Career Mistakes

New drivers make a wide range of poor choices when they are trying to break into this industry. Learning about these mistakes will help you avoid the pitfalls that keep thousands of people from becoming successful drivers each year.

Trusting the claims of every company: the freight companies have profits as their main goal. If you can help them earn more money, they will offer you a job and certain benefits. However, many truckers believe that the companies are working in their best interests when they first enter the business. They don't bother to check the fine details on their contracts and are shocked to find that they aren't receiving the health insurance or salary they were promised. Read the details behind any offer to find the truth about what you will be expected to do as an employee.

Switching jobs too soon: If you sign a contract with a company that doesn't properly respect you, it is tempting to quit and seek new employment immediately. This can hurt your long-term reputation with other companies. If you have an employment contract with a trucking company, work for at least the duration of the contract to create a record of reliability for your resume. If you leave before you fulfill your contract, you may find it very difficult to get a job with another company; it damages your reputation and eligibility to be hired by another company.

What To Expect In Your First Year

Start the year off by taking a three to four week course at an accredited and well-respected driver training school. Complete a program that provides at least 100 hours of education and 40 hours or more of hands-on driving instruction. Take your CDL Class A license test, then start applying for positions with reputable trucking companies. Without any real experience, you shouldn't expect to make more than $24,000 - $35,000 in your first year. Many truckers make less than this and struggle to get enough miles in their first year.

Focus on building your road experience and boosting your skills. Each mile you travel without a mistake, delay or accident will move you closer to a higher paying position. You can learn more about the life of a full-time truck driver, and about classic cars, by reading the real experiences of drivers around the country. Join trucking forums, subscribe to newsletters, join trucking groups on Facebook and other social media outlets.

Professional Courtesy and Your Professional Truck Driving Career

2012-10-12T11:30:00.000-04:00

Let's Put The PRO Back In Professional Driver

I was catching a few minutes of the always uplifting local news last evening, and a road-rage story caught my attention. It's no wonder that I couldn't go to sleep after that.

It seems that a driver thought he'd been side-swiped by another driver while on Atlanta's I-85 6 lane raceway. He pulled over, somehow forced the other driver to pull over, and proceeded to pull a rifle out of his trunk. Why he was driving around with a rifle in his trunk was never explained, and I don't think I really want to know why he was driving around with a rifle in his trunk.

Someone videotaped this, there was a lot of screaming, an emergency call to 911 and then fadeout.

So as I lay there trying to get to sleep, I began thinking about how the world has changed since I was younger. How much younger I'll leave to your imagination.

And it was a natural progression that since I've been in the trucking industry for more than 10 years, my thoughts would wander to not only how the world has changed, but how the trucking industry has changed; specifically, how and why the attitude of many truckers has changed, which is to me, very sad.

Toby Bogard
The Truck-Writer

You see, when I was a kid, my dad worked for a family run trucking company for more than 30 years. He often talked fondly about the drivers, whom he associated with frequently even though he was an executive. He talked about the brothers, former truckers themselves, who owned and operated the company. For the most part, it was a company of happy employees. People were treated with courtesy and respect. When my dad retired, the company threw him a swanky retirement party, and half of the people there were company drivers. There was a lot of hand-shaking, back-slapping and well-wishing. And there was no division between management and drivers, only a mutual respect.

A while back I read Toby Bogard's "On The Big Road" in which he calls for putting the "Pro back in professional driver"! In his book Toby made some valid points and interesting observations, one of which once again, took me back many years to another time. And his book and the incident on Atlanta's notorious I-85 (which I avoid on penalty of death) prompted me to write this article.

The Brotherhood Of Truck Driving...

Toby writes "Twenty-five years ago if you were a truck driver in this country, it was because someone took you under their wing and not only showed you how to operate the truck, they showed you what to expect and how to survive out there on the road. The key to that whole statement is this: oftentimes the person that taught you the ropes was a relative."

"It was an honor and a pleasure to bring you into the brotherhood that was truck driving! When you finally did get behind that wheel with that first load, you were completely aware and prepared for what you were going to cope with on a daily basis. Nowadays that way of doing things has changed drastically, and it has affected not only the veteran drivers but also the overall attitude of this industry."

"The simple fact is that many will say the industry changed, that however, is simply not true. We, as drivers, have changed, and it has become an epidemic."

Has it become an epidemic? Are veteran drivers becoming jaded because of all the changes in the industry and in society's behavior and attitudes? Are truck driving schools and trucking companies overlooking the importance of reinforcing professional courtesy when teaching the abc's of being a truck driver and getting your CDL Class A License?

Navigating an 18-wheeler is an attitude, it's a state of mind, it's a love of many things, it's a challenge and it can be a hard way of life. It's a big responsibility that is very demanding and is much more involved than just driving and shifting.

Professional Courtesy Is As Important
As Knowing How To Navigate An 18-Wheeler

I want to believe that truck drivers take pride in knowing that they are part of a brotherhood. I want to believe that there is still a romantic notion behind being an over the road trucker. I want to believe that truck drivers haven't changed - they are kind, generous, helpful, loving family men and women who are the first to stop on the scene of an accident. They are proud of the job they do and professional courtesy is as important to them as knowing how to navigate an 18-wheeler.

I believe that truck drivers are among America's heroes, and I want them to be proud of their occupation and believe in it too. If all that is still a reality, then it should be a given that, as Toby says, "let's put the PRO back in professional driver"!

Written by Laurie McCormack

How A Trucking Company Looks At Your MVR Report

2012-10-03T11:30:00.000-04:00

What You Should Know About Your MVR When
Applying For Your Next Truck Driving Job

Probably the most important thing you need to know about your MVR Report when you are planning on applying for a truck driving job or getting your CDL Class A is .... get a copy of your MVR first ... so you know exactly what information it contains and what your potential future employer will see.

Be a step ahead and be ready to
drive that big rig...

The reason is because - the MVR that you get will be the same MVR that a trucking company gets. In today's trucking industry climate, trucking companies do more of an extensive MVR and background check than ever before. And they have the technology and the resources to find everything they need to know, which means that they don't miss a thing.

Unfortunately, all too often mistakes are made on MVR Reports, unlike DAC Reports, which all too often contain intentional and deliberate misinformation about a driver.

Getting a copy of your MVR Report comes under the heading of doing your due diligence and research - before you proceed further. Or, 'look before you leap' so that you have an opportunity to correct any errors on your MVR Report that could stand in the way of your being hired by a trucking company.

There are trucking companies that will allow one (1) DUI more than five years in the past. This means that there is a 5-year waiting period if you have one (1) DUI. When it comes to felonies, there is a 7 - 10 year waiting period, depending on the type of felony. There are certain violent and drug-related felonies that will automatically disqualify you. As you can see, the rules applying to DUIs and felonies can vary from company to company. Another area that is reviewed thoroughly is speeding tickets. Again, rules applying to speeding tickets, when they were issued and how many miles over the speed limit you were driving, vary from company to company.

All the information that a trucking company will request about your driving background and any possible criminal background when considering your application for employment will be based on a specific time frame.

As an example, questions may be phrased as "have you ever had a DUI or felony?" or "have you had any misdemeanors in the past 3 years?" Or, "has your license ever been suspended?" And, "have you had any speeding tickets?" Answer these questions truthfully, provide explanations and be honest on your application because not telling the truth almost always comes back to haunt you.

Some companies will arrange for you to come to their orientation/training before background checks and MVR reviews have been completed. And suddenly, you're on your way back home at your own expense because something you covered up was discovered after all.

If you are working with an independent recruiter, he or she should be able to advise you on the hiring guidelines and policies of a company that you are interested in. This is an advantage to you because you'll know in advance if you are not a good candidate for a company because of something in your background. If that's the case, your recruiter may have other options and can advise you on the best direction for you at this time.

Give yourself every advantage and make getting a copy of your MVR the first thing you do before entering the trucking industry or making a change in your driving career.

Free State CDL Class A Manual-Free Handbook Download

2012-10-02T13:00:00.000-04:00

If you are planning on getting your CDL Class A License either through a truck driving school - or - a cdl company paid program, you should get a copy of your state's CDL Driver Manual and study it beforehand. It will make everything much easier as you progress through training and tests.

All you have to do is click on the link below for your state, and download the free .pdf cdl driver manual onto your hard drive, or just print it out. It's that easy ... please note that in some instances, the download time may take a few minutes depending on the size of the manual.

Updated State-by-State Listing For

CDL Class A Driver License Handbook Downloads

Alabama CDL Manual	Alaska CDL Manual	Arizona CDL Manual
Arkansas CDL Manual	California CDL Manual	Colorado CDL Manual
Connecticut CDL Manual	Delaware CDL Manual	Florida CDL Manual
Georgia CDL Manual	Hawaii CDL Manual	Idaho CDL Manual
Illinois CDL Manual	Indiana CDL Manual	Iowa CDL Manual
Kansas CDL Manual	Kentucky CDL Manual	Louisiana CDL Manual
Maine CDL Manual	Maryland CDL Manual	Massachusetts CDL Manual
Michigan CDL Manual	Minnesota CDL Manual	Mississippi CDL Manual
Missouri CDL Manual	Montana CDL Manual	Nebraska CDL Manual
Nevada CDL Manual	New Hampshire CDL Manual	New Jersey CDL Manual
New Mexico CDL Manual	New York CDL Manual	North Carolina CDL Manual
North Dakota CDL Manual	Ohio CDL Manual	Oklahoma CDL Manual
Oregon CDL Manual	Pennsylvania CDL Manual	Rhode Island CDL Manual
South Carolina CDL Manual	South Dakota CDL Manual	Tennessee CDL Manual
Texas CDL Manual	Utah CDL Manual	Vermont CDL Manual
Virginia CDL Manual	Washington	Washington DC
West Virginia	Wisconsin

15 Steps to Personal Safety-Excellent Advice for OTR Truckers

2012-06-13T11:00:00.000-04:00

By Kari Fisher In
Missing Truck Driver Alert Network

Written by Kari Fisher, posted in Missing Truck Driver Alert Network, this article is helpful to all truckers, whether you are new to the industry or a veteran otr driver. Even if you are not a truck driver, here is some excellent advice to keep you safer on the road - definitely something for everyone ....

First, a little bit about the group, Missing Truck Driver Alert Network, started by Kari and several other concerned individuals.....this group has grown quickly to more than 2,000 members and is working towards becoming a state and federally recognized 501c (3) non-profit charitable organization. We will be posting a full length article about this group in the near future, so please check back again .....

The Missing Truck Driver ALERT Network

"Our goal is to assist the families of missing Truck Drivers by spreading the word through phone alerts and by using the power of social media to share the alert to thousands."

"We make every effort to assist loved one and friends in locating the missing drivers by working with the law enforcement agencies involved."

15 Steps to Personal Safety

1. Carry a cell phone at all times.

2. Do not accept a ride from anyone other than police, service truth or tow truck.

3. Do not advertise that you are alone in the truck, lie if you must.

4. To secure your cab against break in while in the truck: run the seatbelts through the door handles and hook them. Buy a one inch motorcycle strap and hook it between the door handles.

5. Your attitude is the best thing that you can control to protect your safety. You cannot protect yourself as a victim. Instead you have to walk tall and be alert to what is going on around you. You should never get into another driver's truck.

6. Dress appropriately for the job. Wear trousers, jeans, longer shorts or slacks with a comfortable shirt or top that covers you. Never wear flashy expensive looking jewelry, even if it is fake.

7. Always carry your CDL with you. If you are injured you can be identified and if the police do happen to stop to check you when walking across the lot, you have proof you are who you say you are.

8. Do not carry a gun. Too many people that go through the training do carry a gun and then cannot pull the trigger when in severe danger end up getting short with their own gun.

9. There are some things that you can carry legally to protect yourself: a small can of hair spray, aerosol perfume, or spray deodorant when sprayed in an attacker's eyes can buy you a second or two of time to get away, screwdriver, large set of keys, small pocket knife, hammer, pliers, wrench, kitchen knife, small piece of chain and a crowbar.

10. If you are going into a big city stop short and go in just ahead of rush hour. Always ask your shipper/receiver if there is a place that is safe to park and listen to him/her closely. Make sure of your directions before you go in so you do not get lost.

11. Never advertise what you are hauling and/or where you are going to park.

12. Never sleep where you get your cash advances.

13. Keep your doors locked when going through urban stop and go traffic or roads.

14. Never open your window if approached ... just wave anyone approaching off.

15. Keep your windows and vents shut when you are sleeping.

Print these 15 Steps to Personal Safety, keep them with you and review them from time to time. It could make a difference in keeping you safe. Thanks to Kari Fisher for sharing this with all of us.

ASK Before Choosing A CDL Class A Truck Driving School

2012-05-16T13:13:00.000-04:00

What Should You Know ?
- And -
What Should You Ask ?

BEFORE You Choose A Truck Driving School
- And -
BEFORE You Sign Any Contract

Assuming that you don't have any felonies, DUIs, misdemeanors or anything else in your past that could or would prevent you from being hired by a trucking company, (and therefore you probably shouldn't spend the money to attend CDL truck driver training school) here are some excellent guidelines for you to follow when selecting a truck driving training school to get your CDL Class A License.

Finding the right truck driving school can be very confusing for the driver who needs a CDL Refresher Course, but it is doubly challenging for the newcomer who wants to get a CDL Class A License and begin a professional over the road driving career. What questions should you ask ? What should you be looking for in a cdl truck driving school?

CDL Training Schools
The Good, The Bad &
The Ugly

Making the right choice can possibly make or break your career before you even get started. The phrase "the good, the bad and the ugly" is not limited to the movies; there is a lot of good, bad and ugly in the trucking industry, and there are schools whose only objective is profit, and a big profit. Their business practices are questionable, and too many students have spent a lot of money to get their CDL Class A License, only to find out that he or she is ineligible for hire by any trucking company. The school knew that .... but they took the student's money anyway. And then there are the schools that charge an incredibly inflated tuition fee. You can read more about telling the difference between a 'good' school vs. a 'bad' school at our website.

Before you hand over thousands of dollars for your CDL school training, let's look at some important factors that you need to consider:

Is the school licensed by the State
Is the school Accredited
Is the school Certified

To understand the importance of these questions you need to understand what each of these terms represent.

A State business license shows that the business has filed and paid the appropriate fees, and has met the guidelines set forth by the State, which allows them to legally operate that business within that State.

Accreditation refers to schools that have been accredited by an agency that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Only truck driving schools that have been accredited are entitled to have access to Federal student grants and loans. Many truck driving schools have not achieved accreditation because of the tough standards and the expensive process. A truck driving school that has been accredited shows that they have met the highest standards for education.

Certification pertains to a truck driving school that has met the training standards set forth by the trucking industry. Certification shows that an independent thirty party, unrelated to the truck driving school, has inspected the school and has officially "certified" that the training offered to the students has met the basic skills required to be a truck driver within the entry level. PTDI, which stands for Professional Truck Driver Institute, is based out of Alexandria, Virginia, is the only organization that currently certifies truck driving schools. Certification is voluntary and a truck driving school is not required to be certified by PTDI. It's important to keep in mind that just because a school is not PTDI certified, it does not mean they are a "bad" school. Nevertheless, being PTDI certified only further justifies a school's reputation.

These are some very important questions you should ask before signing on with a truck driving school:

What is the cost - on the average, CDL training should cost between $2,500 - $5,000
What is the student to truck ratio - the lower the better
What is the student to instructor ratio - again, the lower the number the better
What is the size of the average class
Is the school associated with any companies that offer tuition reimbursement
Can the school help in obtaining financial aid if needed
Will there be any "observation" time - this is a total waste of time and money
Is there job placement assistance once you have completed the course
What if the trucking company you are placed with treats you badly - is there further help
If you fail the CDL test is there a money-back guarantee
What is the maximum amount that you will be responsible for in payment
Are there any "hidden" costs
What is the condition and quality of the equipment you will be using
How many hours is the course - typically, it should be between 140-160 hours and run about 3 weeks

Remember, it's important to ask everything and be informed BEFORE you sign any paperwork. Also, take the contract home and read it over very carefully. If something is unclear, ask someone outside of the school to help you. Know your rights and understand everything in the contract before signing.

There are many good, reputable truck driving schools across the nation. Do your homework, make sure they are licensed, accredited and if possible, PTDI certified. however, just because a school is not PTDI certified, it does not mean that they are a poor school. PTDI Certification is lengthy and costly, which is the reason many good schools may not have this certification.

The choice you make will determine the quality of your education and The choice you make will determine the quality of education you receive and the amount of money you spend to get that education.

Before you make any decisions we suggest you review our CDL Driver Training Page and CDL Training Schools website pages for tips, suggestions and information that will be very helpful. While you are there also check out our Nationwide Truck Driving School Guide.

Thank you to Allen Smith of askthetrucker.com for contributing key information for this article.

Why You Should Attend The Second Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention

2012-05-15T11:24:00.000-04:00

James S. McCormack

The Second Annual Truck Driver
Social Media Convention
"United We Stand, The Circle Of Trust"

With the awaited Second Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention coming up in October, we are re-posting this article ....and I am honored to have been asked to return for this year's event as a Special Guest.

This past October I had the pleasure of addressing the attendees of the First Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention, a one-day event held in Tunica, Mississippi at the Gold Strike Resort. I also had the opportunity to finally meet two uniquely dedicated, committed and highly regarded individuals that I had only previously talked with via phone and e-mail over the previous 12 months .... Allen and Donna Smith, of Truth About Trucking LLC and AskTheTrucker.com, the forces behind this first of what many hoped would be an annual event.

This one-of-a-kind Convention was first and foremost to honor and show appreciation to the professional CDL driver. This was a time for truck drivers, and a time for those who have dedicated their support for them. This was a time to share a full day and evening of valuable information, fine dining, entertainment, camaraderie and networking. And very importantly, this was a time and opportunity for everyone to be truly aware of the power and impact of social media, and how to use social media to strengthen our community, remain informed and allow your voice to be heard.

Join The Efforts To Raise The
Standards Of The Trucking Industry

On October 26th, 27th and 28th, 2012, the Second Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention will take place at Harrah's Hotel and Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

It's an opportunity for anyone in the trucking industry; professional drivers, company representatives, aspiring drivers, vendors, and the general public to increase their knowledge base with insightful and credible information, and benefit from having access to some of the finest trucking-related products, services and literature. It's an opportunity to be a part of the efforts to help Raise The Standards Of The Trucking Industry.

It's an opportunity to address industry issues of concern, network together, build personal and business relationships, and create a trusted community.

This is an event where you can unite, pay tribute, recognize, and share ideas and solutions for the issues affecting professional drivers and the U.S. trucking industry.

This is an event where the driver and those concerned will have center stage and will be heard as the force that keeps America moving.

This is an event where everyone can learn how to use the power of social media to remain informed, to let your voice be heard by many, to communicate your thoughts and ideas more effectively, and to strengthen our resolve for the betterment of our country's otr truckers. Some of the topics being covered this year are:

Trucking Employment Law
Truck Driver Health and Regulations
Understanding Federal Regulations
CDL Training, Driver Retention, and the Truck Driver Shortage
Social Media - Reaching Multitudes with your Message

Be a part of the only Trucking Social Media event in the country on October 26th, 27th and 28th at Harrah's in Kansas City, Missouri. Sign up for the most recent convention updates and begin making your arrangements to attend. Become a part of Raising the Standards of the Trucking Industry in the Circle of Trust.

Portions of this article have been taken from Trucking Social Media, by Allen and Donna Smith.

OTR Driving Jobs & Convicted Felons-A Hiring Guide

2012-05-09T11:21:00.000-04:00

Confused About Whether You Can Get
A Truck Driving Job As A Convicted Felon?
These Guidelines May Help ....

If you are confused about whether you would be able to get an otr driving job with a major company as a convicted felon, before you read this we suggest you view our recent article "How Convicted Felons Can Get An OTR Driving Job". This article addresses specific felonies and is a basic checklist for potential problem areas; criminal activities that could prevent you from being hired by a trucking company.

Valid Driver's License:

Do you currently have a valid driver's license in the state in which you reside or did did you lose your driver's license while you were incarcerated? Most trucking companies require that you have a valid driver's license for at least (1) year, and some require that you have a valid driver's license for (3) consecutive years. In most cases you are required to have a driver's license in the state in which you reside.

Are You Currently On Probation Or Parole:

If you are currently on probation or parole you probably won't be able to travel outside of your home state, meaning that you would have to find a driving job where you travel in state only. That makes it even harder because basically you need to look for a local driving job, and that makes it almost impossible to find with a major company until you've been with them for considerable time. While some companies require a 10-year qualification period between the time you complete probation until the time you apply for a driving job, there is no hard and fast rule regarding eligibility timeline qualifications and trucking companies vary in their underwriting regarding probation or parole:

Some base their hiring guideline timeline on the date of conviction
Some base their hiring guideline timeline on the date probation or parole is completed

Most trucking companies won't hire someone who is currently on probation or parole. However, if you have completed your probation and are still unable to get hired by a large company, you may be able to get hired by a small local company, or a Mom & Pop company.

Was Your Conviction Related To Alcohol:

Many trucking companies require an alcohol related conviction to have a waiting period with a minimum of:

3-5 years for (1) alcohol related conviction.
15 years for (2) with the most recent conviction at least 15 years in the past.
If you have more than (2), you are most likely ineligible for hire but you may find a few trucking companies that will at least consider your application IF they are all more than (20) years in the past.

Are You Eligible For Insurance and Bonding:

Some companies have strict policies about bonding felons. Trucking companies regularly protect themselves by taking out a surety bond on every driver. This is like an insurance policy for the company to cover the value of the cargo so that if a driver were to steal or sell the cargo, the trucking company will be reimbursed for the cost of the cargo. Often insurance companies will not bond felons, and if they do, the premium is escalated considerably making it very unattractive for the trucking company.

Was Your Conviction Drug Related:

This is a sticky issue and maybe the biggest obstacle of all because there are many variables about drug related convictions, and they are based on whether it was a misdemeanor or a felony. Drug related issues are taken very seriously by the trucking industry for many reasons.

Some companies will hire you with a 3-5 year waiting period for a drug related misdemeanor if it was possession of marijuana only with no intent to distribute. The waiting period may be as long as 10 years for other narcotics.

If the drug conviction was a felony, a few companies may consider you after 10 years. Others have an absolute "no-hire" policy. The trucking industry is getting stricter all the time with drug related convictions.

Was Your Conviction For Murder Or Manslaughter:

The majority of trucking companies have a "no-hire" policy for a murder or manslaughter conviction. There are others that may consider hiring you if the conviction is 20 years old or even longer. Although there may be extenuating circumstances involved with this crime, it is extremely difficult to find a driving job with this type of conviction on your record.

Was Your Conviction Sexual Related:

You can pretty much take this as a standard in the industry: most trucking companies have a "no-hire" policy for sexually related crimes no matter how long ago it was.

******************************

Over the years we have processed thousands and thousands of applications from individuals wanting to become a professional otr driver. Often they were from individuals with misdemeanors or felony convictions whose circumstances were such that it seemed unfair and unjust to rule them as being ineligible for hire. Unfortunately, trucking can often be an "unforgiving" industry. Laws regulating the trucking industry are constantly being re-evaluated so .....before you spend any money to get your CDL training and CDL Class A license, be sure you can get a driving job.

If you truly want to be a truck driver and you are faced with a conviction that will probably prevent you from being hired, consider some of the ideas that we mentioned in "How Convicted Felons Can Get An OTR Driving Job".

There are occupational alternatives if you find that you have a waiting period before being eligible for hire by a truck company. While most or none may hold any appeal to you, it is a step in the right direction and gives you a way to develop a good record as an employee:

dump truck driver
cement truck drivers
automobile salesperson
used car salesperson
furniture salesperson

Good luck and we hope this article OTR Driving Jobs & Convicted Felons-A Hiring Guide has been helpful to you. All the best in your search for a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Portions of this article have been contributed by:
Drivers CDL Staffing, Inc.

Without Truck Drivers America Stops

2012-05-01T10:00:00.000-04:00

This is a powerful article written by Allen Smith of askthetrucker.com that we are re-printing on our blog in its entirety and without any alterations. Allen is an otr driver and an advocate for truck drivers across the U.S., has written and published several books about the trucking industry, and hosts a weekly live radio show at www.blogtalkradio.com/truthabouttrucking.

I'm dedicating this article to my father-in-law, Harold O. MacDonald, who worked in the trucking industry for more than 30 years, and retired with a good pension plan which continued from his retirement at age 65 until his death at age 93 in 2002. He spoke very often and with great fondness of the people he worked with and how highly he regarded the company and its attitude to their employees.

**********************************

From Askthetrucker.com

Should you ever find the time to sit down with an "old timer" truck driver and listen to the tales of "the good ole' days" in trucking, you just may be surprised at how the industry has changed.

You will hear stories of how drivers worked together and created the "brotherhood" between the professional trucker; tales of camaraderie and respect as well as pride in their chosen profession.

In those days, there were no barrier between the driver and motor carrier. The trucking company and truck driver worked as a team with each one valuing the other and sharing the same respect. They understood that each needed the other and worked together for both of their success. The driver asked for an honest day's work for an honest day's pay, and the carrier delivered on their promise. As difficult as it is to believe, in day's past, the truck driver and motor carrier were actually friends.

In those days, the trucking company knew the driver by name, understanding that they had bills to pay and a family to support and the company did its best to "take care" of their drivers. In "the good ole' days" of trucking, there existed an unspoken bond between trucker and carrier, each realizing their dependence on each other and even more so, appreciating with each had to offer.

As deregulation hit the industry, the shared respect slipped away and the brotherhood began a slow descent toward extinction. Customer service meant nothing as the industry fought for survival and money became the primary focus. Mega-sized motor carriers formed and for many, the truck driver was transformed into nothing more than a pawn as one truck driver shared his thoughts on today's trucking career:

"The industry has destroyed driver's rights and wages, perpetuated market corruption, and let insurance companies dictate policy. The industry is weakening families with unnatural and damaging work schedules."

As the U.S. trucking industry became a "dog eat dog world", many motor carriers distanced themselves from their former practice of honesty, integrity and character. Understanding that a business is in business to make money, they took it one step further by discarding such values and their primary objective evolved into doing whatever it took to grow larger and more powerful, all off the backs of the hardworking truck driver.

Government truck driver training subsidies, ranging between $50,000 and $222,000 led to the practice of starving out drivers and money-making programs such as the trucking company lease purchase became the newest transportation discovery. CDL truck driver training schools and so-called "company paid training" programs evolved into a multi-million dollar business within a multi-billion dollar industry, all with the promise of an exciting, high paying career.

Potential new drivers to the industry became nothing more than a dollar sign and the formation of cheap freight led to the downfall of the spirit of entrepreneurship for an unknown number of truck owner operators. Trucker Joe Jones is now known as driver number 265443 and recent CDL graduates are expected to work for .25 cents per mile. Veteran drivers have seen truck driver pay go virtually unchanged for nearly 30 years and the bond between motor carrier and truck driver has diminished into retaliatory games such as the DAC report.

All of this and more having been thrown upon the back of the professional truck driver by an industry which largely continues to regard the CMV driver as nothing more than "unskilled labor." Although some motor carriers still strive for excellence and understand that drivers are their greatest distinction, far too many fail to follow their lead.

I contend that trucking companies do not move America, but truck drivers do. I understand that motor carriers are very much needed by way of providing jobs to millions of Americans, but I would recommend providing careers, not "jobs."

Understand that truckers can move on to other jobs and even though you may have built a successful business ... without truck drivers ... you would have no business.

There is no contesting the fact that without truck drivers, America stops.

*****************************

How Convicted Felons Can Get An OTR Driving Job

2012-04-30T13:05:00.000-04:00

You Can Get A CDL License But ...
Can You Get An OTR Driving Job ...

Finding a job has gotten tougher for convicted felons. Life in general has gotten tougher for convicted felons. Hiring policies by trucking companies have gotten stricter, and the whole process of getting a cdl driving job for felons has become extremely challenging and downright depressing.

Dazed and Confused?

Oh yes, you can get a CDL Class A License through an accredited truck driver training school. It may cost you several thousands of dollars, or you might even qualify for a federal or state grant. But once you've graduated, there is absolutely no guarantee that you will land a job. In fact, job placement directors at some schools will deliberately mislead you and tell you that you can get a job. They will gladly take your money and train you. Or, you might be told that you can drive for a small owner operator. This is in reality untrue because an owner operator's insurance company may not insure and bond you. So, all too often, the path to your new career will end there along with your hopes and dreams.

To make matters worse, while you are beating the bushes to find a trucking company that will hire you even though you have a felony on your record, the time allowed between when you get your CDL License and when you are hired, expires. This can be 60 days, sometimes 90 days. But the general rule is if you don't find a driving job within 60-90 days of graduating from a CDL training program, the majority of the trucking companies will not hire you until you take a CDL refresher program. And that can be anywhere from $500 - $2,500 or more. The good news is that you're still in the game, the bad news is that you have to spend additional monies, and there are very few trucking companies that offer a CDL refresher course. Back to the training school for probably another $1,500, more or less.

So What Can You Do ?

The number (1) rule is: DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE YOU GO THROUGH CDL TRAINING! And here are some valid suggestions......

Before you even begin your job search make sure that you have a valid driver's license. If you lost it or it expired while you were incarcerated, get a new one. Trucking companies require that you have a valid driver's license and many require that you have it for at least one year. Some require three years.

Don't bother applying directly to the major trucking companies until you've spoken with a recruiter because you probably won't pass their underwriting guidelines. Depending on the nature of the felony and how long ago it occurred, the likelihood is that you won't be eligible for hire. If you are still on parole, you are going to be ineligible for hire by just about every trucking company out there.

Don't spend money for cdl training until you have found a company that will hire you. It may be a Mom and Pop outfit, or a small local company, or even a larger regional type company. There are also some mid-size to larger trucking companies that advertise that they will hire convicted felons .... there are not many and they are probably not the companies you'd like to work for, but it's a start.

Approach companies first, ask them for their recommendation for a training program, and try to get a pre-hire letter from a future employer. A small company may even agree to pay for your CDL training; it's unlikely but it's possible. You may even be able to work out a reimbursement program to repay your employer.

If you are still on probation, you are even more of an insurance risk and you may not be able to travel outside of your own home state. You may be restricted to finding a job with a company where you travel within your own home state only.

Face the fact that you have a lot of work ahead of you .... get on the Internet and research any information that may help. Phone trucking companies and talk with their human resources people. Talk with an independent recruiter for clarification and further information. Contact your state government and even the federal government for back-to-work programs that offer felons a way to get back into the workforce. Normally, there are job workshops, seminars, grants and training programs available, and resources available for blue-collar positions such as truck drivers. Also check with your local department of labor.

We will be publishing guidelines for specific convictions, such as alcohol related or drug related felonies. These will be published in the next posting and we hope this article and the subsequent follow-up article will be helpful and informative.

In the meantime remember that old quote that says something like ..."a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step". You may have to work hard to get to your dream of being an otr driver but with the right attitude, persistence, a belief in yourself, and maybe a little bit of luck, anything is possible.

Good luck and all the best,

U.S. Oil At $16 Per Barrel ! It's There For The Taking...

2012-03-02T13:30:00.002-05:00

James S. McCormack
Founder, Trucking Careers of America

The price of crude oil has been affecting every facet of our economy for far too long. Gas prices keep rising, food prices keep rising, energy costs keep rising and for many, it has become almost a daily struggle to stay afloat. Gas companies report a ludicrous quarterly profit of billions of dollars while many Americans can't find employment and many often can't afford to pay their mortgage or rent. If you're like me, you keep asking yourself why our illustrious and lofty politicians can't or aren't doing anything, other than ongoing rhetoric, to address this problem, such as taking direct and aggressive steps to reduce our dependency on foreign oil .... and begin to take back our country.

How Much Oil Does The U.S. Have In The Ground?
More Than All The Middle East Put Together !

Cruz Construction started a division in North Dakota some months ago and sent every Kenworth (9 trucks) from Alaska to North Dakota along with several drivers. They bought two new Kenworths to add to that fleet and two new cranes (one crawler and one rubber tired) for that division. According to Dave Cruz, they have moved more rigs in the last 6 months in ND than Cruz Construction moved in Alaska in the last 6 years.

Williston, ND, is like a gold rush town and unemployment in North Dakota has been reported as being the lowest in the nation at 3.4 percent.

Not too long ago one of the Forbes Bros. was a guest on a news program discussing oil. The host said to Forbes, "I am going to ask you a direct question and I would like a direct answer; how much oil does the U.S. have in the ground?" Forbes did not miss a beat, he said, "more than all the Middle East put together."

Those Billions of Barrels Will Cost Americans
Just $16 Per Barrel ... Enough Crude to Fully Fuel
the American Economy for 2041 Years....

The U.S. Geological Service issued a report in April 2008 that only scientists and oil men knew was coming. It was a revised report (hadn't been updated since 1995) on how much oil was in this area of the western 2/3 of North Dakota, western South Dakota, and extreme eastern Montana.

The Bakken, a formation known as the Williston Basis, stretches from Northern Montana, through North Dakota and into Canada, and is the largest domestic oil discovery since Alaska's Prudhoe Bay. It has the potential to eliminate all American dependence on foreign oil. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates it at 503 billion barrels. Even if just 10% of the oil is recoverable (5 billion barrels), at $107 a barrel, this is a resource base worth more than $5.3 trillion.

"When I first briefed legislators on this, you could practically see their jaws hit the floor. They had no idea ..." says Terry Johnson, the Montana Legislature's financial analyst. "This sizable find is now the highest-producing onshore oil field found in the past 56 years," reports the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

For years, U.S. oil exploration has been considered a dead end. However, a recent technological breakthrough has opened up the Bakken's massive reserves, and we now have access of up to 500 billion barrels. And because this is light, sweet oil, those billions of barrels will cost Americans just $16 per barrel! That's enough crude to fully fuel the American economy for 2041 years.

And from as far back as 2006: U.S. Oil Discovery - largest Reserve in the World, Stansberry Report Online (4/20/2006). Hidden 1,000 feet beneath the surface of the Rocky Mountains lies the largest untapped oil reserve in the world. It is more than 2 trillion barrels. On August 8, 2005, President Bush mandated its extraction. In three and a half years of high oil prices none has been extracted. With this motherload of oil why are we still fighting over off-shore drilling?

The U.S. Has 22 Times As Much Oil As Iran ....

We have more oil inside our borders than all the other proven reserves on earth. Here are the official estimates:

8 times as much as as Saudi Arabia
18 times as much oil as Iraq
21 times as much oil as Kuwait
22 times as much oil as Iran
500 times as much oil as Yemen

And it's right here in the western United States ! Why are we not extracting this? James Bartis, lead researcher with the study says we've got more oil in this very compact area than the entire Middle East; more than 2 trillion barrels untapped. That's more than all the proven oil reserves of crude oil in the world today, reports The Denver Post.

While you're thinking about all this, pass this along. Think about what could happen if everyone sent this to everyone in their address book, and so on, and everyone wrote to their states' government officials. Think about what Americans could do by using the power of social media and uniting with the singular purpose in mind to begin taking our country back: from the politicians, Washington's gridlock and endless and often useless rhetoric, corporate greed, and the Middle East.

This can all be verified by checking out this link and Cruz Construction. Some portions of this article originated from Congressman Tom Rooney, Florida-On Oil.

Great Lakes Truck Driving School Empowers Students With The Foundation For Success

2012-02-08T11:30:00.003-05:00

"Our Success Is Measured in Direct Proportion
to the Success of Our Students"

Among the CDL Class A driver training schools across the U.S. that we are proud to be associated with, we are especially pleased to feature Great Lakes Truck Driving School. Their goal is to provide quality instructional programs in a student-centered culture built on respect, encouragement, and continuous support, while empowering students with the foundation for a lifetime of success.

Great Lakes Truck Driving School provides a full CDL Class A training program which includes classroom instruction, driving range and road training, designed for individuals who have no previous tractor trailer experience. Training prepares students for the CDL Skills Test and entry-level employment as a tractor-trailer driver.

Located in Columbia Station Ohio, its state-of-the-art training facility is one of the few training facilities in the nation to offer courses in professional driving, heavy equipment operations, and oil & gas industry training - all in one location.

Great Lakes has the distinction of being a nationally accredited, Veterans Approved training institution. Since its opening in July 2008, the school has more than doubled the student training areas, added a heavy equipment division, added 30 employees, and received multiple awards for excellence, including the 2009 Economic Development Achievement Award. In 2010, Owner and School Director Doris Young was named Small Business Person of the Year by the Small Business Administration's Cleveland District Office.

GL has successfully trained and placed more than 1,000 graduates in careers as professional drivers and heavy equipment operators, and has also provided customized training programs for more than 30 companies. In addition to its CDL and NCCER Approved Heavy Equipment training programs, HSE RIG PASS/SafeLand USA Certifications are now available to prepare drivers and equipment operators for work on Oil Field Sites.

Situated on a 10.7 acre training site, the land has been developed to include:

a shifting track
an area for CDL maneuvers and perfecting of skills
work zone for the heavy equipment division
9,000 square foot building which houses classrooms, offices and student break area
lodging facilities for students traveling long distances

Much of the school's success has been due to its focus on innovative approaches to training and a high priority on student services, especially graduate placement. Great Lakes works with over 60 employers and has placed graduates at hundreds of different companies. The Placement Assistant Department provides graduates with lifetime job placement assistance, including:

placement activities beginning the first week of training
in-class presentations on interviewing, hiring criteria, filling out applications
scheduling of multiple recruiters from hiring companies
one-on-one presentations and interviews between hiring companies and students
employment workshops
free job fairs held on the school's property for current students and graduates
on-line job board

Great Lakes Truck Driving School offers affordable tuition and various forms of financing options. In October of 2011, the school hosted a free Veterans Educational Benefits seminar which informed attendees of the educational benefits available to help them transition into stable, well paying careers. The sessions covered the Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and the new Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill changes, which provides many new educational opportunities for active duty, veteran, national Guard and reserve servicemen and women.

A 9 minute informational video is available at the school's website and the school can also be found on Facebook.

The ABC's of Getting Your CDL Class A License

2012-02-01T11:51:00.003-05:00

You've Made Your Career Decision
You Want To Be An Over The Road Driver
You Need To Get Your CDL Class A License
What Is The Next Step?

James S. McCormack
Co-Founder of
Trucking Careers of America

You cannot drive for a trucking company without first getting your CDL license, and here we are talking about a CDL Class A license to drive tractor trailers over the road. You must have graduated either from an independent school or from a company sponsored cdl training program.

First and foremost, there are several requirements that must be met for you to get your CDL Class A License:

you must have a valid driver's license from the state in which you currently reside
you must be at least 21 years of age
you must be in good health
you must speak, write and understand English well enough to communicate with others

Next, go to your local Motor Vehicle Bureau and get a copy of your MVR and a copy of the CDL manual. Make sure your MVR is accurate and doesn't have anything negative that would prevent you from being accepted into training or being hired after graduation. If you have a criminal record and depending on the type of crime, you may be ineligible for employment in the trucking industry. Get a head start on learning the manual and get your CDL Permit at your local Motor Vehicle Bureau before you attend training. For a CDL Permit for a CDL Class A license you will need to take:

a general knowledge test
a combination test
air-brake test

There are (2) reasons for this: (1) having your CDL Permit beforehand shortens your training time by as much as one week (which translates to earning an income earlier), and (2) this is a good approach if you are an individual who quakes or freezes at taking a written test. Get it out of the way right up front. You will be more comfortable when you take the test again during training, be issued a CDL Permit from that state, and exchange it for one in your state when you complete training.

You may find that you will be completing multiple applications so make a list of your work history for the past 10 years. Trucking companies are required by law to view an applicant's job history over a 10 year period, so have this information ready. You will need this information for truck driving schools as well. Be sure and include your superior's name(s) and contact phone numbers.

The next step is critical: learn and understand the differences between company sponsored/paid cdl training and a cdl training program through a community college, technical school or college or a private school. There are pros and cons with each and it's important to fully understand the differences and how it affects your job search and career after graduation. Federal or state grant money is often available if you attend an independent school.

Begin by researching the recommended driver training schools in your area and contact the ones of interest. It's always preferable to attending a cdl training school if the finances are available to you. Find out about:

in-house financing and at what interest rate
federal or state grant qualified
in-house job placement
how long their training program lasts (the average is about 3 weeks)
the cost

Compare this information to what is available through a company sponsored or paid cdl training program. There are not many companies offering this but there are a few and it's important to be careful on your selection. Again, there are pros and cons ....

Once you've decided on where to go, submit your application(s). You may submit your application to more than one entity. Once you are accepted, your trainers will help you study for the tests that you are required to take.

Be sure to attend all of the required classroom time because this is where you will learn about trucking laws, safety and log books. Don't miss the range labs, driving times and street driving times as this is critical to learning how to maneuver the tractor trailer. You will also learn the route you will take on your final driving exam.

You will be given a final written test, a skills test and a road test, so study as much as you can for your final exam. You will be required to know how to complete an inspection of the truck prior to driving, and be able to execute basic skills such as backing and parking. You will take a road test to ensure you know how to safely drive on public roads.

Once you have successfully completed all the tests you will be given a sealed packet to take to your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles to get your new license.

The trucking industry is always evolving and it's important to stay current with the regulations in place, and also to be informed about pending regulations and laws affecting the trucking industry. You are now on your way to enjoying a new career as a professional tractor trailer driver.

Good luck and safe driving !

No Shortage of Truck Driving Jobs for Trainco Truck Driving School Graduates

2012-01-24T10:29:00.001-05:00

"A CDL License Is A Diploma For The Working Person ..."

If you live in Michigan or Ohio, and you are looking for the right truck driving school to get your CDL Class A License, one of Trainco's schools is the school for you.

With five locations across Southern Michigan and Northwest Ohio, Trainco has just moved the Logan Square facility in South Lansing to larger facilities at 2200 South Washington Avenue. This relocation is part of their expansion program to fill more jobs in the region.

Every Trainco graduate is well-trained and highly qualified; at Trucking Careers of America we have placed more than 150 Trainco graduates with great companies and not one graduate has been sent home because they lacked critical skills.

In February 2009, Trainco and Owens Community College announced a partnership which afforded area residents the opportunity to receive five college technical credits while enrolled in Trainco Professional Truck Driving Schools and Career Centers. Students pursuing their commercial driver's license (CDL) apply the educational training and experience toward an associate's degree in Owens' Technical Studies or a related field.

No Shortage Of Jobs For Trainco Graduates ....

There is no shortage of jobs for Trainco's graduates. The school's required annual Student Training Report for the Department of State shows that most are working in the field within 90 days of graduation.

"Our job placement record after they finish is nearly perfect. We were at 93% last year, even in this region's challenging economy" says Lansing Campus Manager Randy Turco. He adds, "As with all Trainco Schools if we find a student having difficulty during their training or in making the grade with the CDL road exam at first pass, we're always willing to give them that little extra (at no additional charge) to get them ready. Every person learns at a different pace and we're here to help."

Regulated and certified by the Ohio Trucking Association, Trainco's complete tractor-trailer program prepares student for their CDL driving exam and provides a first-rate entry to the trucking industry. Students are trained with full-size, Class A tractor-trailer combinations. Trainco tractors, in cab-over and conventional styles, primarily utilize 9- and 10- speed transmissions. Trainco also has super-10 and automatic transmissions in the fleet, hauling 48- and 53-foot vans.

Great News for Military Men and Women
The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill

Beginning this past October of 2011, fully paid CDL training for military men and women became available through the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. Revised by the Veteran's Administration, the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill provides full training funds for those military men and women who have served three years or more. What this means is:

the entire cdl driver training at several of Trainco's facilities is paid for
additional costs, such as short-term housing, gas/food allowance, etc., may be partially or even fully covered

A huge benefit is that veterans interested in an otr truck driving career can attend an independent truck driving school with their cdl training course fully funded, unlike a trucking company paid cdl training program which carries with it contractual obligations and restrictions.

To learn what funding assistance may be available to you give Trainco Truck Driving School a call at 419-837-5730 or visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/apply-for-benefits/application. Trainco will fill you in on their numerous training options and campuses, get you settled into their outstanding housing facilities for those involved in "Train and Stay" programs and put you on the road to your new career in next to no time.

Trainco also works closely with numerous and varied grant programs to help those students with financial needs, and has excellent partnerships with several banks and credit unions willing to write low-interest loans.

How To Get An OTR Driving Job With Only Six Months OTR Experience - Do You Really Need A Refresher Course?

2012-01-20T11:39:00.001-05:00

Been Off The Road For Awhile and
You Were Told That You Need To Take

A CDL Class A Refresher Course or
The Full CDL Training Program?

Probably Not ....

We frequently talk with otr truckers who have not been on the road for awhile. They still have their CDL Class A license but for one reason or another, have not been driving otr consistently. There are many reasons ... the company they previously worked for may have gone out of business, or maybe they were laid off due to a cutback. Maybe there was a family illness. Whatever the reason, they can't find a driving job because they haven't been driving regularly.

They were told by numerous company recruiters that in order to get an ort driving job they would either have to take a CDL Refresher Course or start all over again by taking the full CDL Class A course. Here is the breakdown:

The CDL Refresher Course - Typically 40 Hours:

Fewer and fewer trucking companies are offering refresher courses, and those that do offer the course charge in the area of $500 - $1000. As a general rule, a driver does not have to sign an employment contract when taking the refresher course through a trucking company.

Fees for truck driver training schools run about $1,400 for a CDL Class A Refresher Course.

The CDL Class A Training Program - Typically 160 Hours:

There are not very many trucking companies offering paid CDL training or company sponsored CDL training, but those that do offer the course charge anywhere from $3,900 - $5,000, sometimes more. You must sign an employment contract which can range from 8 months to one year.

Many companies will advertise that paid or company sponsored cdl training is 'free'. Don't be fooled, it is not free. "Assessing The True Cost of 'Free' CDL Training" is a good source of information on this subject.

There are many excellent private and public truck driver training schools across the U.S. that offer CDL Class A training. Costs can run between $3,500 to as much as $6,000, and sometimes more. Federal and state grants are sometimes available, or in-house financing may be an option.

I Have Good News For You ...
There Is A Much Better Option !

What if you could find an otr job without having to take a cdl refresher course or the full training course? What if there are companies that will hire you if you have only six months otr driving experience?

I have good news for you ... there are trucking companies that will hire you if you have only six consecutive months of otr driving experience within the past three years.

The problem often is in finding a company with which you can get hired, depending upon your individual circumstances, which is one important reason to use the services of an industry advisor like Trucking Careers of America. It's our job to know who these companies are ....

You may find that regional opportunities are available in certain areas. Company benefits take effect after 90 days. Both Rider and Pet Policies may be are offered. You may travel all states averaging 2,700 miles each week, with 98% no touch cargo. You may be able to drive solo or team. One company even guarantees that you will be home for Christmas !

In a sense you are starting again so expect your earnings in your first year to be around $35,000 - $40,000. You have been able to bypass re-training and are on the road again, building your mileage and experience with a good company, and have taken an important step in regaining your driving status.

Good luck and safe driving .... all the best -

What Is CSA 2010 And How It Affects Company Truck Drivers

2012-01-12T11:00:00.016-05:00

About CSA 2010 ...

The U. S. Department of Transportation - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration describes CSA 2010 as:

Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicles. It introduces a new enforcement and compliance model that allows FMCSA and its State Partners to contact a larger number of carriers earlier in order to address safety problems before crashes occur. Rolled out in December 2010, the program establishes a new nationwide system for making the roads safer for motor carriers and the public alike!

In the development of the CSA program, FMCSA sought to incorporate several key attributes.

FLEXIBILITY – Adapt to a Changing Environment. Accommodates changes to the transportation environment, such as evolutions in technology and changes in programmatic responsibilities.

EFFICIENCY – Maximize Use of Resources. Improves Federal and State enforcement staff productivity, as well as the safety performance of members of the motor carrier community.

EFFECTIVENESS – Improve Safety Performance. Identifies behaviors associated with safety risk; focuses compliance, enforcement, and remediation efforts on those unsafe behaviors.

INNOVATION – Leverage Data and Technology. Improves safety through the innovative use of technology to track and update safety performance data.

EQUITABILITY – Be Fair and Unbiased. Assesses and evaluates motor carrier safety and enforces Federal laws and safety regulations to ensure consistent treatment of similarly situated members of the motor carrier community.

While accountability in the trucking industry is something that has been needed for a long time, the implementation of CSA 2010 is also affecting company drivers. In other words, many drivers individual CSA and PSP (Pre-employment Screening Program) scores are being unfavorably impacted by the violations of the company for which they are driving. Here are some examples of company violations affecting company drivers:

faulty equipment
overweight loads
hours of service forced by a dispatcher

Today OTR truckers have to be very careful as this is an issue that can and will definitely affect a driver's future career opportunities. There are trucking companies that for one reason or another deliberately disregard certain regulations, including CSA 2010. And because CSA 2010 is relatively new, we are certain to hear more and more about the ramifications of this particular regulation.

One Driver's Story ....

Just a few days ago we spoke with a company driver who had been with a trucking company for more than (6) years. We'll call him 'Bill' .... Bill had a high CSA score because his company was forcing him to drive faulty equipment and he had several violations. He knew enough about the affects of CSA 2010 to realize that his company's violations were causing him a problem that would only get worse. He knew it was in his best interests to get a driving job with another company.

We were successful in finding him a good driving job with another company, but this process became somewhat of a learning experience as we discovered that different trucking companies view the CSA and PSP reports differently.

Some companies will look at a CSA and PSP score and immediately reject an applicant. Another company will not take the CSA and PSP scores as the final word and will research the driver's record further. In this case, that's what happened.

The first company declined this driver, the second company considered the reasons behind the scores and realized all violations were equipment related issues which were no fault of the driver.

In our blog post, OTR Recruiters Needed More Than Ever Before, we discussed many reasons why otr drivers should use the services of a skilled, qualified and credible recruiter. But none of those reasons included CSA 2010. And CSA 2010 promises to be an issue that many drivers will be forced to deal with.

I think it's important to point out that a recruiter will go to bat for a driver and encourage a prospective employer to look into violations more closely. In other words, as we like to say at Trucking Careers of America, "we work for you".

Good luck and good driving .....